During a tribute to Women of Soul at the White House on Thursday, President Barack Obama accidentally misspelled “respect” while introducing the so-called Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

“When Aretha first told us what… R-S-P-E-C-T meant to her,” Obama said as the audience roared with laughter. He paused briefly before continuing, “She had no idea it would become a rallying cry for African Americans and women and anyone else who felt marginalized because of what they looked like, who they loved. They wanted some respect.”

Well, he doesn’t command respect, he certainly doesn’t give it, so it’s not exactly a surprise that he can’t spell it, either. Maybe he’ll figure it all out once he finishes his tour of all 57 states …